In an eventful conclusion to the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) Zonal Group Stage in Kerala on Friday, Muthoot FA, Kickstart FC & Sreenidi Deccan FC qualified for the National Group Stage. The three sides will join Dempo SC, FC Goa and Mumbai City FC in the next phase of the competition.
On the final matchday of the tournament, league leaders Muthoot FA and second-placed Sreenidi Deccan FC played out a 1-1 draw at the Maharajas College Ground, to end their RFDL Zonal Group Stage campaigns on a high. Muhammed Siyas’ 26th minute strike for Muthoot FA was cancelled out within five minutes by Lamgunlal Kipgen of Sreenidi Deccan FC. The scoreline remained 1-1 till the full-time whistle as both sides confirmed their spots in the RFDL National Group Stage.
After finishing on top of the group, Muthoot FA head coach Anees K, quoted, “Competing at this level helped the players develop composure, teamwork, and an understanding of high-pressure football.”
“Qualifying for the RFDL National round for the third consecutive year shows that the academy has built a solid foundation and gained valuable experience in high-pressure games. The National round brings together the best teams from across the country and Muthoot FA will face more diverse playing styles and higher levels of skill and physicality. If we maintain current momentum and execute our strategies well, we could challenge for a top spot in the RFDL National Group Stage,” he added.
In another enticing encounter, Kickstart FC Karnataka came from a goal behind to salvage a point against Kerala Blasters FC, eventually knocking them out of the competition with a 1-1 draw. Devo Athokpam had given the Blasters a lead in the 25th minute at the Maharajas College Ground. But Premish T left it late with an 87th minute equalizer as Kickstart FC held on to a draw. The third match of the day between Gokulam Kerala FC and Roots FC ended in a goalless draw as both teams concluded their RFDL 2024-25 campaigns with several positives.
With six sides confirmed for the RFDL National Group Stage, all eyes will be on how the next phase of the competition will shape up as teams from Meghalaya & Kolkata await to join.
Brief Scores:
Muthoot FA 1 (26’ Muhammed Siyas) – Sreenidi Deccan FC 1 (31’ Lamgunlal Kipgen)
Kerala Blasters FC 1 (25’ Devo Athokpam) – Kickstart FC Karnataka 1 (87’ Premish T)
Gokulam Kerala FC 0 – Roots FC 0
About RFDL: Now in its fourth season, Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) is designed to be a platform for the top U-21 football players to showcase their talent in a highly competitive environment. The tournament is one of India’s largest and most inclusive U-21 youth tournament comprising teams across 9 regions in India from Indian Super League, I-League division I & II and Independent Academies / Clubs nominated by the State Football Associations.
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